Journal of Clinical and Cellular Immunology
Open Access

Abstract

Potential In vivo Immunomodulatory Effects of the Most Active Lectin Isolated from Seeds of Zizyphus oenoplia

Butle A, Talmale S and Patil MB

Objective: Lectins are complex and heterogenous group of carbohydrate binding proteins, commonly found in all types of organisms with striking biological activities. Many anti-inflammatory synthetic medicines are available, but they show many side effects. In this context, anti-inflammatory compounds free from any adverse effects are the requirement of time. In the present study, the most active lectin isolated from seeds of Zizyphus oenoplia is tested for its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Methods: The most active lectin was isolated from seeds of Zizyphus oenoplia. The procedure of isolation involved extraction of lectins from dried seeds in sodium phosphate buffered saline (0.02 M, pH 7) followed by precipitation with ammonium sulphate (20%-60%) and dialysis. Later, affinity chromatography and ion-exchange chromatography were performed for further purification. The purified fraction was estimated for homogeneity and molecular weight determination on 10% SDS-PAGE. The isolated most active lectin was named as ZOSL (Zizyphus oenoplia seed lectin) and was tested for its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activity in vivo through Arthus reaction and anaphylactic shock on Wistar albino rats.

Results: ZOSL was found to be monomeric with molecular weight 25 kD. It was seen that regular oral administration of ZOSL to Wistar rats can prevent anaphylactic shock as well as Arthus reaction.

Conclusion: A novel monomeric lectin (ZOSL), with anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activity, was isolated from the seeds of Zizyphus oenoplia.